Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
I didn't think I could love fish so much, but this recipe has proved me wrong! Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is crispy, tender, and full of lemon-parmesan flavor. It's perfect for drizzling with Garlic Aioli! This easy dinner has tons of flavor and is done in 30 minutes or less, my friends. Plus it's healthy and high in protein! Can't beat that! Crispy, cheesy perfection. I'm in love.
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 298kcal
Ingredients
For the tilapia:
- 1 and 1/2 pounds tilapia fillets (6-8 fillets), thawed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the crispy parmesan topping
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice juice from 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
For the brown rice
- 1 batch Instant Pot Brown Rice
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 large lemon
Serve with
- 1 batch Roasted Broccoli
- 1 batch Garlic Aioli
Instructions
- Prep the side dishes: If you plan to serve this with Instant Pot Brown Rice, start that first so it's ready to go. The tilapia cooks fast! Make the rice recipe as instructed, but add 1/4 cup butter and a 1/4 cup lemon juice at the end.
- You could also prep the Roasted Broccoli ahead of time.
- Make the tilapia: Let 1 and 1/2 pounds tilapia thaw completely, if you are using frozen filets.
- Use a paper towel to pat dry each tilapia filet.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Spray a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray, or grease with oil.* Lay out the tilapia filets. Sprinkle with half of the salt and paprika mixture. Flip each filet and sprinkle the rest of the seasoning on the tilapia.
- Make the parmesan sauce. In a medium bowl, add 1/4 cup butter. If it's not soft, microwave it for 10-20 seconds until it is spreadable (don't melt it).
- Add 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon celery seed, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs. Stir to combine.
- Turn your broiler on to high heat and move the oven racks up to the top.
- Broil the tilapia a few inches from the heat for 2 minutes.
- Remove the tilapia from the oven and use a spoon to add all of the parmesan mixture to the top of each filet. (There is no need to flip the fish) The mixture is thick and will stay put on top.
- Return the tilapia to the broiler, with the rack still up high close to the heat.
- Broil for another 4-6 minutes. Don't walk away! Keep an eye on it. The broiler takes things from toasty to on fire really quick. Take the tilapia out when the topping is browned and crispy, and even starting to blacken in some spots. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
- The total broiling time (including the first two minutes without the parmesan sauce) should be 6-8 minutes.
- Serve the tilapia with Instant Pot Brown Rice, White Rice, or pasta. (You could add butter and lemon juice to any of these!) And serve with Roasted Broccoli, Lemon Almond Green Beans, or Oven Roasted Asparagus.
- Add sauce: Whatever you do, don't forget to drizzle your whole meal with Homemade Garlic Aioli! It's a game changer!!
Notes
*You can line the pan with foil first, for easy clean up. You should still grease the foil.
Nutrition information does not include the Brown Rice or any side dishes.
Nutrition
Serving: 1fillet | Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Potassium: 391mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 498IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 1mg
